5-HTP

5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid. Though there are a couple of sources of 5-HTP in nature, it is predominately synthesized by the body from L-Tryptophan and then later converted to Serotonin. It is the intermediate between tryptophan and serotonin.

5-HTP supplementation has been found to be an effective way of increasing serotonin levels. 5 HTP is used as an antidepressant, sleep aid and appetite regulator. It can also be used to treat fibromyalgia, obesity, insomnia and anxiety disorders. Most 5HTP supplements are sourced from the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.

Because it is a direct precursor to serotonin, precaution should be taken when combining 5-HTP with other drugs, supplements, herbs and stimulants known to effect the serotonergic system. This includes antidepressant medications (including SSRI’s and MAOI’s), recreational drugs that act on the serotonin system and supplements like St. Johns wort, which exhibits SSRI-like properties. Combinations can lead to too much serotonin in the brain or serotonin toxicity, also called serotonin syndrome.

The Effects of Alcohol

The effects of alcohol on the brain are complex, but it mainly effects the GABAminergic system. Alcohol binds to GABA receptors and acts on the same receptors as drugs such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Alcohol also binds to acetylcholine and serotonin receptors and is also known to inhibit the breakdown of dopamine.

The body breaks down alcohol by converting it to acetaldehyde in the liver and then acetyl to produce energy for cellular metabolism. Acetaldehyde is a toxic intermediate and plays a large role in the damaging effects by alcohol. Acetylaldehyde is known to activate the dopamine system and may be involved in promoting and maintaining alcohol addiction.

Alcohol and the Serotonin Pathway

The serotonergic system can profoundly affect both alcohol consumption and alcohol withdrawal. Several studies have investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption and serotonin transmission and support the theory that alcohol consumption increases for people who have low serotonin levels or decreased serotonin activity.

Because alcohol reduces the level of serotonin, chronic alcohol consumption or alcoholism may cause other problems related to chronic low levels of serotonin. Because of this connection to low serotonin levels, alcoholism usually occurs with problems such as sleep disorders, fatigue and depression. All of alcohol’s side effects are similar to the symptoms of low serotonin levels, therefore, experts believe that increasing serotonin activity in the brain may improve the negative side effects of alcohol. Most medications given for alcoholism involve increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain. There is evidence that some serotoninergic drugs can reduce cravings for alcohol.

Heavy alcohol consumption initially triggers increased serotonin secretion in the brain. This promotes the feelings of euphoria and buzz that drinkers enjoy. As the blood alcohol concentration increases, it begins to act as a depressant in the central nervous system shifting from a sharp fall in serotonin release to increased GABA activity.

5 HTP in Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

Long-term use of alcohol causes tolerance and physical dependence to develop. When alcohol consumption is reduced or stopped, alcohol withdrawal can occur. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a serious medical condition that can lead to seizures and delirium. It is caused by over-excitation of the central nervous system due to the absence of its usual and expected depressant effect from alcohol. Mild signs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome include headache, irritability, migraines, restlessness, nausea, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can quickly develop into severe ones such as hallucinations, depression, psychosis, rapid heartbeat, insomnia and catatonia. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are treated by a number of medications such as antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, barbiturates and even low doses of alcohol. Supplementation with 5-HTP can safely help alleviate withdrawal symptoms by increasing serotonin levels.

Concurrent Use of 5 HTP and Alcohol

The use of 5-HTP is useful for trying to overcome alcohol dependence or prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is advisable to take 5-HTP at least 6 hours before consuming alcohol. The results of combining 5-HTP and alcohol is relatively hard to predict due to the complexity of alcohol’s effects and the diversity in different people’s chemistry. Because initial alcohol intake increases serotonin activity, combining excessive amounts 5-HTP and alcohol may contribute to symptoms of serotonin toxicity. If you are taking 5-HTP in an effort to boost your serotonin levels, it may be counterproductive to drink, seeing as how alcohol will lower serotonin levels.